Infiniti JX Turns Into the New QX60 and Gains a 250hp 2.5-liter Supercharged Hybrid Powerplant

At the upcoming New York Auto Show that takes place in the Big Apple from March 27 through Sunday April 7, Infiniti will unveil the 2014 model year JX crossover, which adopts the brand's new nomenclature and will be known from now on as the QX60 premium crossover, while also gaining a new hybrid variant.

The QX60 Hybrid premieres the Nissan Group's new petrol-electric hybrid system that was first announced in late 2010 and which connects a 2.5-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine to a 15kW (20hp) electric motor and a CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission).

Infiniti said the net output of the hybrid system is 250-horsepower and that with this powertrain, the QX60 will return an estimated combined and highway driving fuel economy of 26mpg (equal to 9lt/100km and 31.2mpg UK), which represents a 24 percent increase over the non-hybrid, 265HP V6 QX60.

The system uses a compact Lithium-ion battery to store energy, which is mounted right under the 3rd row seat, with Infiniti stating that "the QX60 Hybrid maintains its flat rear floor for easier passenger access to the rear seats and no impact to cargo room".

The QX60 Hybrid will be offered with all-wheel drive or front wheel drive and will go on sale in the States this summer, at a premium of around $3,000 over the regular QX60 that starts from $41,400.

Full details are to be released at the end of the month during the 7-seater crossover's premiere in New York.